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Candida Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Author: peterhutch   | Posted: 18-04-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 213 | Rating: (192)  (?) 
Candida may cause yeast mouth infections (also known as thrush) in children with reduced immune function or in children taking certain antibiotics. Antibiotics may upset the balance of microorganisms in the body and allow an overgrowth of Candida. The use of inhaled steroids for the treatment of asthma has also been shown to cause oral candidiasis. Many infants acquire candidiasis from their mothers during the process of birth, when the baby comes in contact with naturally existing Candida found in the mother's vagina.
What are the causes of Candida ?
The cause of the Candida is yeast called Candida albicans.
1) Antibiotics: Antibiotics destroy both harmful bacteria and good bacteria. When antibiotics destroy friendly bacteria it gives the Candida a chance to begin to multiply.
2) Birth control devices or pills
3) Excessive stress and elevated cortisol
Symptoms of Candidiasis
Candidiasis can range abruptly in severity. It may be very mild and can go unnoticed, or there may be very pain in the mouth, especially on swallowing solid foods, or in the vagina in women or under the foreskin in men. It can also cause distortions in taste.
The symptoms of invasive candidiasis are not specific. Fever and chills that do not improve after antibiotic therapy are the most common symptoms. If the infection spreads to deep organs such as kidneys, liver, bones, muscles, joints, spleen, or eyes, additional specific symptoms may develop, which vary depending on the site of infection. If the infection does not respond to treatment, the patient’s organs may fail and cause death.
Diagnosis
Often clinical appearance and visual examination give a strong suggestion about the diagnosis. Generally, a doctor takes a sample of the vaginal discharge or swabs an area of oral or skin lesions, and then inspects this material under a microscope, where it is possible to see characteristic forms of yeasts at various stages in the lifecycle.
Fungal blood and stool cultures for detection of the Candida organism should be taken for patients suspected of having deep organ candidiasis. Tissue biopsy may be needed for a definitive diagnosis.
Treatments
Most candida infections can be treated at home with OTC or prescription medication. These include topical administration of antifungal drugs such as clotrimazole (Femizole-7, Gyne-Lotrimin), miconazole (Monistat-Derm, Monistat Vaginal), nystatin, tioconazole (Vagistat Vaginal), or oral administration of drugs such as fluconazole (Diflucan) and amphotericin B. Many women prefer a single, oral dose of fluconazole for vaginal candidiasis, rather than topical creams. More serious infections may need IV medications given at the hospital.
Candidiasis is successfully cured either with home remedies or, in the case of a more severe infection, with either over-the-counter substances or recommended anti-fungal treatments .An anti-fungal diaper cream can be used in the diaper areas.
While home remedies may offer relief in minor cases of infection, seeking medical attention may be necessary, especially if the extent of the infection cannot be judged accurately by the patient. For instance, oral thrush is visible only at the upper digestive tract, but it may be that the lower digestive tract is likewise colonized by Candida species.
Home treatments for candidiasis are the inhalation or direct application of yogurt , which retains lactobacillus , acidophilus capsules or salves, and even small crushed cloves of garlic , which yield allicin , an anti fungal.
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